Cox was born in the Stockingford district of Nuneaton, Warwickshire. He began his football career as a youngster with Birmingham City in 1950, and turned professional at the end of the following year.[1] A winger, Cox made his debut in the Football League Second Division on 27 August 1952 in a 1–0 win at Luton Town, and played in more than half of the games in the 1952–53 season.[3] He was then called up for National Service; by the time he returned, Gordon Astall and Alex Govan were established on the wings. He remained with Birmingham as cover,[1] and played in their early matches in the inaugural staging of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, including in their first match in European competition, a goalless draw against Internazionale in Milan in May 1956 while Astall was away on England international duty.[4]
In December 1957, Cox moved to Torquay United,[1] then playing in the Third Division South. In a ten-year career, he scored 62 goals in 261 league games and twice contributed to Torquay's promotion from the Fourth Division back to the Third.[2][5] The club awarded him a benefit match against West Ham United at the end of the 1967–68 season.[6] After leaving Torquay he wound down his football career with Bridgwater Town and Welton Rovers of the Western League.[7]
Cox went on to work as an estate agent. He and wife Madge had two sons: Maurice, a former professional footballer who played for Torquay United and Huddersfield Town, and Michael.[7] He died on 3 November 2014.[8]